Ontario Expands Free Public Access to Trails with $20M Investment

Bruce Trail and 1,650 acres of new protected land to benefit from Greenlands Conservation Partnership

BURLINGTON, ONTARIO — Hikers and nature lovers across Ontario will soon have more trails to explore free of charge, thanks to a new $20 million investment by the province in the Greenlands Conservation Partnership. The initiative, announced Monday by Environment, Conservation and Parks Minister Todd McCarthy, will expand public access to Ontario’s trail systems—including significant additions along the iconic Bruce Trail.

“This program is about opening more trails and giving people the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors close to home” said Minister McCarthy. “By supporting projects like those along the Bruce Trail, we are supporting tourism in our own backyard and ensuring that more people can experience the joy of hiking and the benefits of spending time in nature — free of charge.”

The investment, which will be distributed over four years, supports 15 new land conservation projects in 2024–25, opening over 1,650 acres of protected greenspace for free public access. The funds are administered in partnership with the Ontario Land Trust Alliance (OLTA), which selects projects through a competitive process and ensures each one includes publicly accessible land.

Today, I announced an additional $20 million investment into the Greenlands Conservation Partnership program to expand free public access to hiking trails across the province, including the Bruce Trail, which will make it easier for people to explore nature close to home.

Find… pic.twitter.com/vopg601kxG

— Todd McCarthy (@ToddJMcCarthy) June 9, 2025

Bruce Trail Gains Permanently Protected Land

The Bruce Trail Conservancy will secure over 150 acres of land within the Niagara Escarpment UNESCO World Biosphere, adding new portions to Canada’s oldest and longest marked footpath. The trail already boasts over 70% of its route on permanently protected land, a figure that continues to grow through provincial partnerships.

“This investment will provide visitors the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities in natural spaces for generations to come,” said Natalie Pierre, MPP for Burlington.
“The Bruce Trail is a Canadian treasure,” added Michael McDonald, CEO of the Bruce Trail Conservancy. “Partnerships like these protect biodiversity and preserve access to nature.”

Conservation and Community in Harmony

The Greenlands Conservation Partnership is structured to multiply the impact of public funds. For every $1 invested by the province, partner organizations must contribute a minimum of $2 from foundations, individual donors, or other governments.

“This investment empowers land trusts across Ontario to protect more vital natural areas,” said Alison Howson, Executive Director of OLTA. “It strengthens communities while safeguarding Ontario’s natural heritage.”

Since its launch in 2020, the program has supported the protection of over 430,000 acres of land—more than 2.75 times the size of Toronto—and continues to serve as a cornerstone of Ontario’s conservation and outdoor recreation strategy.

What It Means for GTA Residents

With urban centres expanding rapidly, especially across the Greater Toronto Area, the province’s investment in protected trails and natural lands helps balance growth with quality of life.

By enabling land conservation and public access simultaneously, the province is not only supporting biodiversity, but also helping communities reconnect with nature, drive local tourism, and improve public health through outdoor activity.

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